'Chutta nai hai' is a phrase that Mumbaikars often hear while buying tickets for train, bus or paying the auto and taxi guy. To ease the issue, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which had entered into an agreement with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for implementation of Metro-2 corridor, has suggested a fare slab for several Metro corridors in city — keeping the fare in round figures to do away with the trouble of tendering change to passengers.
While DMRC had proposed slab of Rs 10, 20, 30, 40 for several Metro corridors in the city, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed fare slab of Rs 11, 13, 16, 22, 24.
A detailed project report (DPR) prepared by DMRC, read, "DMRC has proposed fare multiple of Rs 10 to be adopted at the time of commissioning of this line to have convenience in making use of ticket machine and eliminate the problems of non-availability of changes for tendering changes to the passengers."
A DMRC official added, "We have suggested a fare structure that can be paid in multiples of Rs 10 note. However, MMRDA has proposed fare structure like Rs 11 and Rs 13 which often leads to trouble in giving change and also increases time every commuter spends at a ticket counter, and the same also increases every commuter's waiting time at ticket counter along with overall travel time."
However, MMRDA on the other side claimed that its sole motive is to have a Metro ride at affordable rates. "We will take suggestions, prepare proposals accordingly and send it to the state government for approval. If there is any change in the fare slab, it will be done at the time of commencing commercial operations of upcoming Metro corridors after taking approval from the state government."
Meanwhile, Metro construction work on around 150-km long is underway and the Metro corridors namely Dahisar- DN Nagar Metro-2A and Dahisar East- Andheri East Metro-7 on Link Road and Western Express Highway will be the first one start its commercial operations in 2020.
CONFLICTING SUGGESTION
- DMRC has proposed fare in multiples of Rs 10 to be adopted at the time of commissioning of this line to make use of ticket machine convenient and eliminate the problems of tendering changes
- MMRDA said it will take suggestions, prepare proposals and send it to the government for approval. In case of fare change, it will be applicable when upcoming Metro corridors commence
